..::Football II::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Demichelis sets target on wounded Barcelona

Malaga defender Martin Demichelis is hoping Los Boquerones can capitalize on Barcelona's first league defeat of the season by eliminating the Catalan giants from the Copa Del Rey on Thursday.

It will be the third time in less than two weeks that the two teams will have met, with the tie level at 2-2 after last week's first-leg clash at Camp Nou. The Argentine, whose side lost 3-1 in their recent Liga game against the Blaugrana, admitted he has been encouraged after Barcelona suffered a shock defeat at Real Sociedad on Saturday.

“As is the way with football, this same weekend Barcelona showed that they are not an invincible team and that even they can lose a two-goal lead," Demichelis told reporters. "We have shown that in difficult situations and tough games that we are up for it. In football you never know, they might arrive angry and then it will be difficult to deal with them.

"Hopefully some doubt arises in them, though I do not think so, because they are used to setting out to win every two or three days. Being able to eliminate Barcelona would be something with global significance."

Meanwhile, Malaga boss Manuel Pellegrini has lamented the playing surface at La Rosaleda ahead of hosting the defending champions.

“It’s worse than ever," Pellegrini said. "It is more than difficult to walk on. It does not affect just one or two players, [it affects] all of us, with rubber studs [and] aluminium."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Real Betis 1-1 Athletic Bilbao: Aduriz earns a point despite Adrian's heroics

Betis had goalkeeper Adrian to thank as it held on for a 1-1 draw with Athletic Bilbao on Monday.

The hosts had taken the lead after just two minutes when Ruben Castro fired home from the spot after Salva Sevilla was felled by Gorka Iraizoz. Aritz Aduriz equalized shortly before the interval, and Marcelo Bielsa's side can consider itself unlucky not to have claimed all three points in Andalusia after the Betis goalkeeper came up big to force the draw.


Betis went into the encounter in high spirits after the 2-0 win over Levante, and it wasted no time in making its mark against an inconsistent Bilbao side. Iraizoz inexplicably rushed from goal and took out Sevilla, allowing Ruben Castro to fire high into the top corner from the penalty spot shortly after the opening whistle.

Bilbao began to grow into the match, and Adrian made his first impressive save of the night when he parried Ander Herrera's stinging drive from the edge of the area, before Iker Muniain's clever run and shot was blocked by Marco Amaya.

Shortly before the break, the visitors found themselves on level terms, as the excellent Herrera picked out Aduriz with a superb pass, allowing the striker to lift the ball over the on-rushing Adrian and into the net.

Bilbao started the second half as impressively as it finished the first, but Betis carved out the first meaningful chance of the second phase, when Amaya somehow contrived to send his effort wide when unmarked in the area shortly before the hour mark.

The visitors controlled most of the half, and Betis had to rely on its keeper to keep the score level as the match wore on. First, Adrian parried a bullet header from Aduriz, before Susaeta skipped into the area only to be denied by the 26-year-old goalkeeper.

Adrian saved his best until injury time, as Ibai Gomez's cross was turned goalwards by Oscar de Marcos, and Adrian showcased his agility to claw the ball away from goal and safeguard his side's share of the spoils.

The result leaves Betis in fourth place, while Bilbao climbs above Real Zaragoza into 13th in La Liga.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Southampton 0-0 Everton: Pochettino picks up point in debut as Saints boss

Mauricio Pochettino’s reign as Southampton manager began with a 0-0 draw in an encouraging display at home to Everton.

The Toffees were thankful to keep the first half goalless, as the hosts dominated play and created a number of chances, particularly through Rickie Lambert. The second period was more even, with the away side perhaps having the best of the play, but neither could take advantage, and Everton's American goalkeeper Tim Howard made four saves to record his second straight clean sheet.

Speculation surrounded the home fans’ reaction to new manager Pochettino after his recent appointment but there was a good reception for the Argentine, who showed his appreciation in return. The home side started brightly and could have taken the lead in the fourth minute as a cross from the right was deflected by Phil Jagielka and nearly found his own net.

Jason Puncheon then had a good chance just a couple of minutes later, but he dragged his shot just wide of Howard’s goal. The Saints finished off a solid passing sequence as Gaston Ramirez almost caught Howard out with a deflected early shot from long-range that the American parried for a corner.

It took until the 20th minute for either side to create another chance, and it came for the home side thanks to Lambert, whose long-range free kick struck the outside of the post. Lambert created another chance for himself six minutes later, as he took advantage of some slack defending and forced a good save from Howard after jinking into space.

Everton began the second half in a positive frame of mind, with Marouane Fellaini seeing a close-range shot and then a header saved well by Artur Boruc. The Toffees forged a superb opportunity in the 61st minute, as a superb ball from Leighton Baines found substitute Victor Anichebe, whose square pass hit Nikica Jelavic’s heel in the penalty area.

Anichebe then had a great chance of his own, as after taking a good touch in the penalty area he saw his shot palmed brilliantly away by the impressive Boruc, who made five saves in keeping Everton off the board.

Despite not creating as much as it did in the first half, the home side very nearly scored a crucial goal in the 83rd minute, as a Lambert header went just over at the back post.

Everton pulled within three points of fourth-place Tottenham with the draw, which was the club's second straight 0-0 affair. Southampton pulled a point ahead of Newcastle and into 15th place to get the Pochettino era underway.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Manchester United striker Macheda set for Elche loan

Manchester United striker Federico Macheda is being lined up for a loan stint with Spanish second-tier side Elche.

The Spanish club's president, Jose Sepulchre, revealed that a deal has already been set between the clubs, although it is not official as of yet.


"The agreement between the three parties is complete,” Sepulchre told Efe. “But we still cannot say that the player will come because nothing has been signed yet."

The Italian has seen his first-team opportunities limited by the likes of Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez.

He has failed to make a single appearance in the Premier League so far this term, featuring twice in the UEFA Champions League and once in the Capital One Cup against Chelsea. Macheda spent the second half of the 2010-11 season with Sampdoria, as it was relegated from Serie A, and he had a short-lived, and largely unsuccessful, period with QPR last term.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Galliani: Negotiations for Kaka have broken down

AC Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani has announced that the club has broken off negotiations with Real Madrid over a move for Kaka.

The Brazilian confirmed last week that he would be willing to take a pay cut to move back to San Siro, having left the Rossoneri for the Spanish capital in 2009. Galliani soon confirmed that the club had entered talks with the Spanish champion over a move for the player, but he has now said that financial problems have put an end to the deal.

"The negotiations for Kaka have broken down," Galliani told reporters Monday. "It's not possible to complete the deal for fiscal reasons. We had agreed on everything else, but the deal broke down about an hour ago."

It is understood that the potential move collapsed because Milan failed to persuade the Santiago Bernabeu outfit to consider a loan deal for Kaka's services. The 30-year-old has found form and first-team opportunities hard to come by at Madrid, and has only made seven Liga appearances this season, scoring in none of them.

Kaka's first spell at the San Siro was between 2003 and 2009. During his time there, he won one Scudetto and one UEFA Champions League title, and he was named FIFA World Player of the Year in 2007.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Cole targeting more goals after breaking West Ham duck

West Ham attacker Joe Cole is targeting a goal rush after netting for the first time since returning to the club during his side's 1-1 draw with QPR.

The 31-year-old ended a frustrating three-year spell at Liverpool with a move to his boyhood club earlier this month and, having scored a close-range equalizer as the Hammers were held to a draw on Saturday, the former Chelsea man is keen to keep contributing.

"It was nice to score. I know we're going to put a lot of crosses in and it's up to me to try to get on the end of things," he told the club's official website. "It was good and, of course, the main thing was to get a point and keep us moving forward and getting points on the board.

"It's always nice to score any goal. When you have days like that in football, you just have to try and enjoy them. I'm happy and playing with a smile on my face. Playing in that position a bit further forward out wide, you have got to score goals. Myself and Matt Jarvis are working on getting in the box and scoring more goals. I thought it was a good, strong team performance and we bounced back from a poor performance last week [at Sunderland]."

Despite being happy with his goal and the overall team performance, Cole expressed his belief that the home side deserved more than a point.

"It was a game we should have won. We had a lot of possession and put a lot of crosses in the box but credit to QPR because they defended strongly," he said. "It's two points dropped, but we'll try to take the positives. It's another draw and a point on the board and we'll go to Arsenal on Wednesday in full spirits knowing that we put in a good performance on Saturday.

"I think 38 points will probably be enough this year [to stay up]. Like I said, you can only perform well and sometimes things don't fall for you - you have balls coming off people's backsides and that. It was a good performance I thought from the team, strong and together. It was good to have Joey O'Brien back from injury as well, and Mo Diame, of course. We looked strong."

The Paddington-born midfielder has been beset by injuries in recent years, but feels his physical condition is constantly improving.

"I felt a bit stronger. It's just about getting my body hardened to playing 90 minutes again. It's nice to have an effect on games. I have played three games now and I've had an effect on them," he added.

"It's good and I'm enjoying it - I'm enjoying my football and that's the main thing. I'm just settling in and all I want to do is be part of a good team and a good bunch of lads, help my team to win and enjoy my football - that's all I want."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Iniesta: Valdes is the best goalkeeper in the world

Andres Iniesta has claimed that Barcelona teammate Victor Valdes is the best goalkeeper in the world.

It was confirmed last week that the Spain international would not be extending his Blaugrana deal, and while the midfielder does not want to see the 31-year-old leave the club, he respects his desire to move onto pastures new.

"It's a personal decision. As a player, I do not like losing Victor because he is the best goalkeeper in the world for me," the 28-year-old told reporters at a press conference. "As a person, I do respect and support his decision, however, because everyone is the master of his own life. Victor began at the club 10 years ago, has gone through it all, and his work cannot be called into question.

"He had to overcome difficult times but was able to win five championships. Titles that have defined Barca in recent years. Victor's quality and significance in this team is there for all to see. For me he is the best in the world. We have to keep fighting for titles. Víctor is still a Barca player now and the end of the season or year and a half and we should all be smart."

Valdes' current contract with Barca expires in June 2014.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Sneijder: I'm proud to be a Galatasaray player

Wesley Sneijder has revealed his happiness with his impending transfer from Inter Milan to Galatasaray.


The Netherlands international agreed to terms with the Turkish champions on Sunday and arrived in Istanbul on Monday. He was greeted by scores of the club's fans and says he was flattered to be given such a reception.

"It was truly an amazing welcome from the fans. I sincerely thank Galatasaray fans for this welcome," the 28-year-old Sneijder told reporters. "I'm happy to be here and proud as well. I've just met Fatih Terim, we had a small conversation in Italian. I want to learn Turkish as soon as possible."

Meanwhile, Terim has hailed the acquisition of Sneijder, voicing his hope that the Dutchman's experience would prove beneficial to the team.

"[Sneijder is a] really important player with an impressive career. I hope as well that he will adapt with rest of the team fast and contribute to our success," Terim said. "I knew him before, and I know how he plays football. Tomorrow he is going to go through training for the first time with the team. It's not easy to play for Inter and Real Madrid. I wish him all the best."

Galatasaray is currently at the top of the Super Lig, holding a two-point lead over city rivals Besiktas.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Zabaleta to return for Stoke clash

Manchester City has been boosted by the news that fullback Pablo Zabaleta will be fit in time for Saturday's FA Cup fourth-round clash with Stoke City.


The Argentine limped off an hour into his side's 2-0 win over Fulham at the weekend after coming off second best from a crunching tackle. The defender has now confirmed that he will be available for the upcoming meeting with the Potters, though, as the injury is not as serious as initially feared.

"I took a kick on the top of my foot which caused me a lot of pain afterwards and that's the reason it was better that I came off," Zabaleta told the club's official website. "Thankfully, the scan showed there was no serious damage. I should be fine for Saturday, but it will be a couple of days before it is 100 percent again.

"I did some bike work on Monday morning, and on Tuesday I will try some running so I'm sure I will be available for the game against Stoke."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Marotta: Llorente will move to Juventus this summer

Juventus sporting director Giuseppe Marotta is confident of signing Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente.


"I do not beat around the bush, we told Athletic Bilbao that we are interested in the player and I'm optimistic about his contract. He will play for Juventus from July 1," the 57-year-old told Radio24.

Marotta went on to say the club is always monitoring the transfer market, but claimed that a move for Napoli star Edinson Cavani would be incredibly unlikely.

"We watch the market carefully, if there are possibilities of improving the group will try to catch them. [Cavani] is not only elusive for Juve, but for all the Italian teams," he added.

Juventus currently tops the table of Serie A with a five-point lead over second-placed Napoli.

 

[මුගටියා]

Sir Alex is watching

With the future of Victor Valdes in the air, could Manchester United pounce for the keeper? Goal.com keeps up to the minute with the latest transfer rumors as the deadline approaches.

 

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Especially 1st goal 1kanam kiyala wadak naha

​

first goal eka supiri

 

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Tottenham 1-1 Manchester United: Dempsey delivers to snatch late Spurs leveler



LONDON -- Clint Dempsey scored a dramatic equalizer in added time as Tottenham denied Manchester United a battling victory at White Hart Lane.

The American turned the ball in from two minutes into injury time to wild scenes in the snow in north London to snatch Andre Villas-Boas’ side a point it fully deserved but had appeared unlikely to manage.

Robin van Persie had headed United ahead in the 25th minute before the visitors produced a resilient backs-to-the-wall display under a barrage of Tottenham pressure, with visiting goalkeeper David De Gea making a number of crucial saves.

The result means United’s advantage at the top of the Premier League has been cut to five points this week following Manchester City’s victory over Fulham on Saturday, while Spurs remain fourth as they chase a Champions League spot.

The build-up to the game was dominated by concerns over the snowy conditions as referee Chris Foy declared the pitch playable following an inspection just over an hour before kickoff.

Spurs made three changes to the side that drew with QPR, with Scott Parker making his first league start of the season to replace the injured Sandro, while Steven Caulker and Clint Dempsey also came into the team as Jan Vertonghen dropped to the bench due to illness.

United made just one change to the starting lineup that beat Liverpool as Phil Jones replaced Ashley Young, with van Persie and Danny Welbeck again paired in attack.

Both sides started in cagey fashion, with Spurs winger Aaron Lennon injecting some impetus into the home side's attacks as he looked to run at Patrice Evra.

Lennon nearly put Tottenham in front in the 14th minute when he burst in from the right and drilled a low, left-footed shot that De Gea saved to his left before snuffing out Jermain Defoe’s rebound.

In the 25th minute, United took the lead as van Persie headed home his 18th league goal of the season to put the finishing touch on a swift move from Sir Alex Ferguson’s side.

After some neat build-up play, Welbeck played the ball out to Tom Cleverley on the right, and the midfielder clipped in his cross to the far post, where van Persie was completely unmarked to power in with his head.

Back in north London, the former Arsenal man made sure to enjoy his celebration in front of the Spurs fans as he wheeled away to be mobbed by his teammates.

From then on, Tottenham controlled most of the game but struggled to find a way past De Gea, with the Spaniard in inspired form in the United goal.

De Gea made two sharp stops before the break, denying Defoe at the near post before brilliantly keeping out Gareth Bale’s deflected effort with his legs.

The pattern continued after the re-start as De Gea denied Clint Dempsey from point-blank range after the American went through following a silky shimmy and shuffle from Mousa Dembele on the edge of United’s area.

Yet Tottenham began to run out of ideas and was unable to find a way past United’s defense as the visitors looked to sit deep and play on the counterattack, putting bodies behind the ball and always managing to find a last ditch block or saving header.

Then, two minutes into added time, De Gea produced a weak punch that fell to Lennon. The winger kept his head to pick out Dempsey in a crowded penalty box, and the American made no mistake in slotting the ball into the bottom corner from 10 yards.

පට්ට game එක

 

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Chelsea 2-1 Arsenal: Lampard penalty ensures Blues weather second-half storm



LONDON -- Chelsea dispatched Arsenal 2-1 at Stamford Bridge to pull 11 points clear of its rival in the race for the Champions League places.

Early goals from Juan Mata and Frank Lampard put the home side in complete control but Theo Walcott’s brilliant 58thminute strike gave Arsene Wenger’s team hope. However, with the snow tumbling down, Chelsea was able to avoid a repeat of the midweek fixture here against Southampton by not letting slip a two-goal lead.

It enabled Rafael Benitez’s team to take a firm grip on third place and establish clear distance between itself and Arsenal, which limped to its second consecutive league defeat after losing to Manchester City last weekend.

Wenger’s side showed heart and fight to make a game of it in the second half but was ultimately made to pay for a feeble first-half showing in which the team was comprehensively out played and out thought by the home side.Chelsea was so fluent and dominant in the early exchanges that the home support forgot to continue the 16th-minute tradition of chanting the name of Benitez’s predecessor Roberto Di Matteo.

It was enough to leave those who did not take up their seats because of the snow that tumbled down in west London all day and throughout the match kicking themselves with envy.With Lukas Podolski missing through illness, Arsenal selected the same XI that dumped Swansea City out of the FA Cup in midweek, with Olivier Giroud spearheading the attack and Theo Walcott starting on the right.
Chelsea made two changes from the side that drew at home against Southampton. Branislav Ivanovic, who was on the bench on Wednesday, replaced the injured David Luiz and Fernando Torres came in for Demba Ba.
Early on, Giroud wasted a great opportunity to put Arsenal ahead after being put through by Walcott, and Chelsea immediately made the visitors pay for the let off.
The home side broke up the field where Cesar Azpilicueta delivered an excellent cross-field pass to Juan Mata, who pulled the ball down with a wonderful first touch and hammered it into the net with his second.

After 15 minutes, the visitors were sliced open once again after Abou DIaby was robbed of the ball in the middle of the park. Mata found Ramires in acres of space in the penalty box and the Brazilian dawdled before falling over Szczesny’s outstretched leg and Chelsea was awarded its eighth spot kick of the season.Szczesny, who had cover from his defenders, escaped with a yellow card but could not prevent Lampard converting the 47th penalty of his Chelsea career.
From then on, it was one-way traffic throughout the opening period. Arsenal’s frustration was encapsulated by an animated Jack Wilshere, who, isolated in an advanced attacking midfield role, could not get the ball and made no attempt to hide his disgust at his teammates’ failure to treat their passing with care.

Arsenal was much improved after the break, creating three good opportunities before Walcott sprung the Chelsea offside trap after 58 minutes.

Santi Cazorla threaded the ball through to Walcott, who opened up his body to fire it magnificently past the grasp of Petr Cech to give his team a life line.With Wilshere increasingly influential and Walcott a constant threat on the right, Arsenal looked the better team. However, Wenger made his feelings clear about the effectiveness of his central midfield by subbing both Coquelin and Diaby.

Despite their late rally, Arsenal could not find a way through a Chelsea defense that was far more resilient than it had been against Southampton on Wednesday.

 

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Sneijder samaharawita Liverpool join wei

එන එකක් නෑ bro.

 

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Sneijder is coming to Galatasaray to retire, says Unal Aysal

Galatasaray chairman Unal Aysal has claimed Wesley Sneijder will end his career with the Turkish champion after the club agreed with the Inter playmaker.

The Turkish champion announced on Sunday that personal terms had been agreed with the Netherlands international, and Unal has now confirmed that the star is due to arrive in Istanbul on Monday to complete his move.

"We are signing players according to our coach's directives," the 71-year-old told Galatasaray's official TV channel, GSTV. "It's a big achievement for Sneijder to play at Galatasaray.

"He said he is coming to end his career here. Our expectations won't be unfulfilled.

"[Inter president Massimo] Moratti is a real gentleman. I appreciated him every time we met. He did what he promised. In the end this is a happy ending for [all] three parties. I'm satisfied with Moratti's collaboration.

"I've explained our vision two years ago. We aimed to be in Europe permanently and that's what we are trying to do," he added.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Gary Neville says Manchester United players will demand more of David De Gea after Tottenham error

Gary Neville says David De Gea's team-mates will be "unforgiving" over the mistake that cost Manchester United victory at Tottenham.

The Spanish goalkeeper's weak punch to the feet of Aaron Lennon in the dying moments at White Hart Lane allowed the Spurs winger to set up Clint Dempsey's equaliser, a result which saw United's lead over title rivals Manchester City cut to five points.

Sky Sports expert Neville said the body language of Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra and Danny Welbeck in the immediate aftermath of the goal showed that they were "furious" with the goalkeeper and is certain that words will have been exchanged in the dressing room afterwards.

"The idea that they're saying 'unlucky mate, let's go and have a drink,' well, that is not that place. Anybody is misguided if they believe that is what happens," he said.
"There is an incredible amount of accountability in that dressing room; it is not a place that is forgiving, it is not a place where you won't get people who will confront each other when mistakes are made.

"If you play at that club, in that dressing room under that manager it's not a case of destroying his confidence, it's about learning fast."You've got to learn the hard way and he's learning in a very unforgiving environment where he's judged continuously at the highest level."

Harsh

Neville admits De Gea made several fine saves against Tottenham, but knows from his own experiences of playing for Manchester United that the highest standards are expected at all times.

He recalled a mistake he made against Arsenal in 1998 and says he has never been allowed to forget his error, such is the level of expectation at Old Trafford.

Neville added: "It may seem as though I'm harsh on goalkeepers, but they are in a position of maximum authority on a football pitch in respect to the job that they do. It's a thankless task, but you cannot make a mistake like that in the last minute of the game at this level."Those practices where they are getting challenged under pressure will be happening 100 times per week. The goalkeepeing coach at every club will do that type of practice and he's got to get height and distance. It's a tough school, but it's a big mistake and it's cost his team two points.

"There's a theory that he saved Manchester United because he made two or three great saves, but unfortunately that's a waste of time.

"I had a very bad experience at the same age as De Gea. Everyone will remember the [Marc] Overmars goal at Old Trafford when I was clambering back to try and chase him. I'd honestly had a fantastic match at centre-back, one of the best ever matches I'd played for Manchester United, for 78 minutes. I went to right-back and made a positional error of two or three yards to try and get the ball.

"That day will be remembered as the day that Arsenal won the championship, the day it slipped away from Manchester United. I've seen that goal back probably 150 to 200 times over the last 12 years. I gave that goal away, I gave the momentum to Arsenal to win that championship and that lives with you.

"So I'm not sat here from a position of royalty, saying that David De Gea is out of order for making a mistake. I've been there and I know the expectation of what you have to be is unforgiving in that dressing room."

Stick

De Gea had returned to the side after missing the FA Cup replay against West Ham, but Neville feels Sir Alex Ferguson will stand by the Spanish goalkeeper.
And he insists the former Atletico Madrid player can emerge as one of the top goalkeepers in world football if he learns from his mistakes and builds his confidence this season.

"I think he sticks with him, he added.

"Sir Alex Ferguson has had the Gerard Pique experience, who was a young player who went back to Spain [and was a success at Barcelona]."I've no doubts that David De Gea can be a top goalkeeper, one of the best in the world. He's physically going to mature in the next 18 months and he needs a championship.

"If he wasn't to win the championship this year and things like this continue to happen it would be painful for him. That's where there would be problems.
"He played well yesterday, but playing well for 92-and-a-half minutes and then doing that in the 93rd is a problem at a club like that."

 

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Tottenham match 1ke De Gea ge punch 1kanam godak weak thamaiBut Patta savings tikak thibba

& aniwa improve wei

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Wenger: We were never in for Zaha

Arsene Wenger has denied that Arsenal are interested in Crystal Palace youngster Wilfried Zaha, as Manchester United look set to complete a deal for him. Zaha, 20, has attracted the attention of the top clubs in England and is viewed as one of the most talented midfielders of his generation. However, while reports suggest that United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has opted out of a four-day training trip to Doha in order to tie up a deal worth £12 million, Wenger has claimed that he was never interested.

"If Zaha goes to Man Utd, good luck to him," Wenger told a press conference on Tuesday. "We were never in for him. Never."

Despite Wenger's words, ESPN understands that Arsenal did place a bid for Zaha last week but Palace's demands and the player's seeming desire to continue the next phase of his career at Old Trafford has ended their interest.

Arsenal are still looking to bring in two players in January, with French trio Yann M'Vila, Yoann Gourcuff and Toulouse midfielder Etienne Capoue all linked in recent weeks.

Wenger, though, refused to admit who he has been tracking, saying: "I will not give you any names. We are working very hard. It's not the number of players that counts, but the quality."

When pushed over a report that Gourcuff was offered to him he added: " I don't want to talk about that as it puts Lyon in a bad position and the player as well. You have to respect that the player has a contract somewhere and is playing. As long as the transfer is not on for anybody then it is better not to talk about it."

The French boss did, however, talk up West Ham midfielder and possible target Mohamed Diame - who has a reported release clause of £3.5m in his contract - as he revealed: "He has a great presence in the games, I have seen him have a big impact."

 

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& aniwa improve wei

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